Olle Korean Barbecue — Restaurant in London

We made a reservation in advance for a Wednesday during the Christmas period.

First let's start with the good things. Reasonably priced Olle Selection A meat assortment. It came out quickly, as well as our other dishes, and was a good standard with nice marinade on some of the meats.

Now the not-so-good parts.

The first thing we noticed was the service, or lacking thereof. We were initially sat at a larger table and had been sat there for at least 20-30 minutes (our first dish already arrived at the table) before the staff asked us to move to a smaller table to make space for a booking they had forgot. This on it's own was not that big of a deal, but combined with the other issues, it was just part of a bigger problem.

We started grilling the marinated pork belly, but did not make it far before the staff told us that we should have started grilling the beef slices first to oil up the grill. Whilst the intention of instructing us was probably good, the delivery came across as a bit rude. They told us we were making the place smokey, as if we had done this on purpose. If the order of grilling was that important, why did they not mention it in the first place? BBQ places in Asia normally don't make a fuss about the order in which you grill meat. When grills get smokey, they change the grill with no issues or complaints. Here, there was obvious reluctance to change the grills, they seem to prefer to wipe it clean instead. The staff grudgingly wiped our grill clean.

And lastly, whilst grilling the last of our prawns, suddenly a staff member grabbed the galbi meat bowl (the last of our assortment) and dumped it all onto the grill, without asking. One of our members, for religious reasons, does NOT eat beef, and the prawn was meant for them. Now we had a contamination. As someone who is used to the BBQ service in Asia, this was particularly appalling. Assistance in grilling is usually appreciated, but normally you should ask the people first. And since they suddenly gave us "help" on the last dish, it came across less as a kind gesture, but more of a "hurry up and get out". Very rushed.

For full transparency, soon after we had been re-seated at the new table, they gave us a pickled vegetable assortment and bottled water (rather than tap) on the house, presumably to make it up to us. But still, the previously described incidents played out.

Overall, there are no complaints food wise. It's a nice enough restaurant. The main fault seems to be the training of staff. They automatically added 12.5% service charge which we asked to be removed. Before taking it off, they asked us what our reason was in doing so "for the system". This shouldn't really be the case.

If the staff attitude and service can improved, then I think the rating can go up by 1 star. It's a shame as other reviews have praised the service, but it seems to be lacking in...

Restaurant Review:

If you're a fan of Korean BBQ and looking for a unique dining experience, Olle is the place to be. This cozy restaurant not only offers mouthwatering grilled meats but also provides a fun and vibrant atmosphere with its collection of famous Korean pop stars and football star signatures. With helpful staff members and delicious dishes, Olle is a Korean BBQ destination worth visiting.

Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately captivated by the walls adorned with autographs and pictures of renowned Korean pop stars and football stars. It created an exciting and immersive environment, perfect for fans and enthusiasts. The ambiance was lively and energetic, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.

The staff at Olle were friendly and attentive. They were more than willing to assist with the cooking process, ensuring that each meat was grilled to perfection. Whether you were a seasoned Korean BBQ aficionado or a beginner, they were there to guide you through the process, making sure you had an enjoyable and delicious meal.

One dish that stood out was the shrimp. Highly recommended by the staff, it proved to be a delightful addition to the meal. The shrimps were incredibly flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. Each bite was juicy and tender, leaving a satisfying taste that lingered on the palate. It was a definite highlight of the dining experience.

While Olle is undoubtedly a popular destination, it's worth noting that there is usually a wait time of around 10 minutes for a walk-in. However, once you're seated and start savoring the delectable aroma of grilled meats, the wait becomes a distant memory.

In summary, Olle offers an exciting and delicious Korean BBQ experience. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, adorned with signatures and pictures of famous Korean pop stars and football stars, adds an element of entertainment to the dining experience. The staff's helpfulness and expertise in guiding customers through the cooking process further enhance the enjoyment. Don't miss out on trying the tasty shrimp, a standout dish at Olle. Just be prepared to wait for a short while before indulging in the flavorsome delights...

This is the most dissappointing Korean BBQ experience within 24 years of my life. With such overpriced menu, I expect better service and complimentary food that comes together with the meat. But no, the banchan (which must be included and even refillable at some K-BBQ places) is to be ordered separately from £6, no lettuce and kim leaves are served unless you ask for it, and ofc they charged extra =)) You also have to do your own BBQ here, which is completely different from the traditional K-BBQ culture from other places I have eaten, and def does not worth the 12.5% of service charge.

One thing I found this place disturbing is the waiter's attitude. Usually, you can grill the kimchi together with the meat, but since grilled kimchi is on the menu, you can not do your own here. We were not awared of that, and when I did my grilled kimchi, the waiter just came and said we are not supposed to do that and pick all of our kimchi to the side in a very disrespectful manner. I understand that there are certain rules that must be followed regardless of how ridiculous they are, but the act of removing our food without asking for permission or failing to inform us the rule with PROPER manner is unacceptable. They should not have done that if they didn't serve us properly at the table!! If you have experienced authentic K-BBQ experience, please consider this before stepping in as they do not live up to the hype, and worse, shaming the wonderful experience of K-BBQ itself.

This was supposed to be a 1-star review but I will take into account the decent food quality (not the bibimbap, way too bland please do not order it) and the fact that many Korean celebrities have visited and left signatures here (good decoration I guess).

Overall, save money to travel to Korea for actual good K-BBQ lads. Don't waste your money here for exorbitant food and nasty service!!

Edit: 2 years and after many more K-BBQ meal, this place is still...